Growing Castor bean in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
3 adapted varieties
In Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the local agronomic conditions (Cfb — oceanic temperate climate, 1576 growing degree days, loam soil at pH 6.3, 307 frost-free days) allow castor bean cultivation.
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Recommended varieties: LS Peter, LS Harold, LS Suzi
Climate
Limited growing degree days (1576 GDD). Choose the earliest maturing varieties.
Balanced summer water budget — no significant water stress.
Long frost-free season (307 days), allowing broad crop cycles.
Sowing calendar
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Soil & recommendations
Neutral pH (6.3), suitable for most crops.
Recommended varieties
LS Peter
Very early dwarf castor bean hybrid with strong productivity and good adaptability.
LS Harold
Dwarf castor bean hybrid with test good yield potential, lodging resistance and regular plant type.
LS Suzi
Semi-dwarf castor bean hybrid with high yield, early development and strong adaptability.
| Variety | Type | Earliness | Yield potential | Sowing | Harvest | Suitability for the region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS Peter | Dwarf castor bean | Very early | 10/10 | allow 0.8 m between rows and 1 m between plants | Mechanical harvest | 7/10 |
| LS Harold | Dwarf castor bean | Very early flowering and maturity | 9/10 | allow 0.8 m between rows and 0.5 m between plants | Mechanical harvest | 7/10 |
| LS Suzi | Semi-dwarf castor bean | Early | 10/10 | allow 1 m between rows and 1 m between plants | Mechanical harvest | 7/10 |
Risks & watchpoints
Key agronomic watchpoints in this zone:
- Summer heat stress: 7/10.
Other regions to grow castor bean
Agronomic summary
Castor bean remains an emerging crop in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, but conditions are promising: 1,576 GDD comfortably cover the long castor cycle (130–170 days), the long frost-free period (307 days) secures maturation, and the varied soils (boulbenes, terreforts, Landes sands) offer flexibility. LS Suzi, LS Marilou and LS Peter — dwarf and giant hybrid castors — can valorise difficult lands or diversify farms on hot spring-summer cycles.
Frequently asked questions
Which castor bean variety is best suited for Nouvelle-Aquitaine?
The varieties recommended above are pre-selected based on local climate, soil and disease pressure. Top picks combine adapted maturity, yield stability and the specific disease tolerances needed in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
When is the best time to sow castor bean in Nouvelle-Aquitaine?
The favorable sowing window is typically from April to October. Exact timing depends on soil temperature (>10°C at 5 cm), weather forecast and your local agronomist's advice.
What yield can I expect from castor bean in Nouvelle-Aquitaine?
Yields depend on variety, agronomic management and the season. Under typical Nouvelle-Aquitaine conditions with good practices, our adapted varieties target stable, competitive commercial yields. Precise ranges are available on request.